First ever left-hand drive Jaguar E-type 2+2 found in barn

The very first LHD Jaguar E-type 2+2 – a 1965 model bearing chassis number 1E75001 – has been discovered in a barn. Could this be the greatest Jaguar project this decade?

With so many Jaguar E-types ramping up the classifieds, genuinely important vehicles from Jaguar’s illustrious history can be drowned out. Such was the case for this unique vehicle from deep within the Coventry stable; the very first left-hand drive 2+2 – chassis number 1E75001. Up for sale at £44,500 ($57,000, €50,000), dare you take on the restoration project to end them all?

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Built on October 19, 1965 by the Jaguar pre-development department on Browns Lane, the first 2+2 was designed as a test-bed to serve requests from buying customers seeking more cabin space, extra storage and the possible fitment of the Borg Warner automatic gearbox.

Just as the Jaguar was completed, Sir William Lyons used the car for advertisements and showcased the vehicle during the Stateside introduction in January 1966.

Such development vehicles rarely leave the factory, but this one was left across the pond after various press events trumpeting the new model's arrival. It was bought and delivered to author Gary Fairmont Filosa, spending nearly quarter of a century on American shores.

It then arrived from Florida into Holland during 1989, the E-type's fresh owner a Jaguar mechanic based out of Luxembourg. Due to an increasing workload, he never quite managed to find time to spend on the historically significant Jaguar. After 25 years of storage, the car was retrieved from its mortal slumber recently when the owner passed away.

The E-type currently retains its matching numbers and was granted a heritage certificate by some rather excited members of the Heritage Trust team many years ago.

While all the parts are there, the E-type has been partly dismantled and will require a complete strip down to basically start again. Some new panels have been welded in place and others are prepped for mounting, but the engine and gearbox are intact.

The current vendor is seeking a proud new owner who will finish the restoration and remain its custodian for the future. A more interesting provenance is hardly possible, other than one of the very first production E-types from 1961. Yet, with these cars commanding insane prices and seldom on the market, this 2+2 could just be the greatest Jaguar project on the market.

If you are seriously interested in acquiring a slice of Jaguar history in dire need of some TLC, you won’t get much better than this prominent example.